The following is a summary taken from the Journal of American Medical Association on eight herbs that can potentially pose harm during and after surgery. We recommend that the following herbs should be stopped before surgery in order to avoid any potential complications from their use:

Echinacea should be used with caution in patients with asthma or allergic problems and should be discontinued as far as possible in advance of surgery.

Ephedra. This herb causes a potential increase in blood pressure and heart rate. This herb has also been associated with sudden death under anesthesia. This should be discontinued at least 7 days before surgery.

Garlic supplements have a potential for reducing clotting function and platelet function and should be stopped 7 days prior to surgery.

Ginkgo should be discontinued 7 days prior to surgery because it can inhibit platelet clotting factors.

Ginseng has also been shown to have effects on clotting pathways and should be discontinued approximately 7 days preoperatively.

Kava should be discontinued 7 days preoperatively because it can increase the sedative effects of anesthetics.

St. Johns Wort can significantly increase the breakdown of other routinely administered drugs during surgery, some of which are vital to the care of patients after surgery. This should be discontinued at least 5 days before surgery.

Valerian can increase the sedative effects of anesthetics. This should not be discontinued abruptly because there is risk of physical dependency to Valerian and withdrawal symptoms may develop. This should be tapered over several weeks before surgery.